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Friday, January 2, 2009
Term of the Day - term life insurance
A life insurance policy which provides a stated benefit upon the holder's death, provided that the death occurs within a certain specified time period. However, the policy does not provide any returns beyond the stated benefit, unlike an insurance policy which allows investors to share in returns from the insurance company's investment portfolio.
Eros International and FXLabs partner to launch the Ghajini PC game
Eros International, the leading studio in the Indian media and entertainment sector, joined forces with FXLabs Studios, the leading end-to-end game development company in India, to launch India's first 3D PC Action Game based on a Bollywood movie. Developed on the action packed film Ghajini starring Aamir Khan, 'Ghajini - The Game' will be distributed by Eros International in both Indian and international markets.
'Ghajini' is a Third Person Action game, which will provide a fantastic opportunity to all Ghajini fans to experience the movie through this exciting game. The game features recreated movie locations and scenes in the 3D world so as to provide the gamers with the actual movie sets to make the game playing experience as authentic and adventures as the movie. The players get a first hand experience of the main protagonist and character Sanjay (played by Aamir Khan) and experience the challenges and trails faced by him.
Aamir Khan has taken a keen interest during the development of the game. The actor has lent his voice and has also enacted certain 'moves' to bring in authenticity for the action sequences in the game.
Speaking at the launch of the game, Biren Ghose, Executive Director - Eros Pictures said, "What better than an exciting film like Ghajini which stars one of the most pioneering and trendsetting actors - Aamir Khan to launch India's first 3-D PC game. We see the game as another cinematic frontier. Eros International and FXLabs will hopefully be the first in creating a new line of games that leverage big movie titles and stories. Eros is committed to providing innovative solutions to its consumers and offering the interactive 'Ghajini' PC game is another way of delivering on that promise".
Sashi Reddi, Founder and CEO, FXLabs said, "We are thrilled to launch this technologically advanced 3D PC game based on a major Bollywood movie. Our aim is to extend the movie experience through our game to all Ghajini fans globally and we are excited to have had the opportunity to work with one of Bollywood's finest actors and stars - Aamir Khan on this project".
Commenting on the partnership Sashi Reddi of FXLabs further added that, "We are very happy to have Eros International as our marketing and distribution partners for the 'Ghajini' game. Eros has a wide network globally, which will enable us to reach out to all target audiences across the globe."
Launch of the 'Ghajini' game marks Eros' foray in the yet untapped business of Bollywood Games. Commenting on the launch, Sunil Lulla, President - Eros India said, "At Eros we are continuously experimenting with new and unexploited business formats in which we see future business potential. Movie based games are common in Hollywood but have not yet been exploited in Indian film industry. We believe Eros' initiative in this sector will help grow this market and provide additional form of entertainment to Bollywood fans."
'Ghajini - The Game' will be available through all leading stores.
'Ghajini' is a Third Person Action game, which will provide a fantastic opportunity to all Ghajini fans to experience the movie through this exciting game. The game features recreated movie locations and scenes in the 3D world so as to provide the gamers with the actual movie sets to make the game playing experience as authentic and adventures as the movie. The players get a first hand experience of the main protagonist and character Sanjay (played by Aamir Khan) and experience the challenges and trails faced by him.
Aamir Khan has taken a keen interest during the development of the game. The actor has lent his voice and has also enacted certain 'moves' to bring in authenticity for the action sequences in the game.
Speaking at the launch of the game, Biren Ghose, Executive Director - Eros Pictures said, "What better than an exciting film like Ghajini which stars one of the most pioneering and trendsetting actors - Aamir Khan to launch India's first 3-D PC game. We see the game as another cinematic frontier. Eros International and FXLabs will hopefully be the first in creating a new line of games that leverage big movie titles and stories. Eros is committed to providing innovative solutions to its consumers and offering the interactive 'Ghajini' PC game is another way of delivering on that promise".
Sashi Reddi, Founder and CEO, FXLabs said, "We are thrilled to launch this technologically advanced 3D PC game based on a major Bollywood movie. Our aim is to extend the movie experience through our game to all Ghajini fans globally and we are excited to have had the opportunity to work with one of Bollywood's finest actors and stars - Aamir Khan on this project".
Commenting on the partnership Sashi Reddi of FXLabs further added that, "We are very happy to have Eros International as our marketing and distribution partners for the 'Ghajini' game. Eros has a wide network globally, which will enable us to reach out to all target audiences across the globe."
Launch of the 'Ghajini' game marks Eros' foray in the yet untapped business of Bollywood Games. Commenting on the launch, Sunil Lulla, President - Eros India said, "At Eros we are continuously experimenting with new and unexploited business formats in which we see future business potential. Movie based games are common in Hollywood but have not yet been exploited in Indian film industry. We believe Eros' initiative in this sector will help grow this market and provide additional form of entertainment to Bollywood fans."
'Ghajini - The Game' will be available through all leading stores.
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Tarun to make 'Dostana 2'?
Sequels are in! Is Tarun Mansukhani making a sequel to the immensely likable DOSTANA? That's the buzz in the industry. "Not a bad idea," Tarun smiles, "But the truth is, I haven't decided anything yet. I don't have an inkling of what to make next. But I hope to start working on my next film within a fortnight."
By the time you're reading this, Tarun must've flown to the U.S.; he's the line producer of his mentor Karan Johar's MY NAME IS KHAN. Talking of the DOSTANA sequel, Tarun says that a lot of people have asked him about it. "It would be a great idea to take the Abhishek - John story forward. But the sequel has to be better than the first part," he adds.
Tarun is simultaneously involved with the animation version of KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI. Incidentally, Tarun had joined Karan as an apprentice when he started KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI and the talented director must be reliving the moments all over again. "I owe everything to Karan. He's family for me. I can never think of branching out of Dharma Productions. Never!" he gets emotional as he says this.
By the time you're reading this, Tarun must've flown to the U.S.; he's the line producer of his mentor Karan Johar's MY NAME IS KHAN. Talking of the DOSTANA sequel, Tarun says that a lot of people have asked him about it. "It would be a great idea to take the Abhishek - John story forward. But the sequel has to be better than the first part," he adds.
Tarun is simultaneously involved with the animation version of KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI. Incidentally, Tarun had joined Karan as an apprentice when he started KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI and the talented director must be reliving the moments all over again. "I owe everything to Karan. He's family for me. I can never think of branching out of Dharma Productions. Never!" he gets emotional as he says this.
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Hide-and-Seek Champion
A very large, old, building was being torn down in Chicago to make room for a new skyscraper. Due to its proximity to other buildings it could not be imploded...
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Finest Bat
Once upon a time Dracula decided to carry some sort of a competition to see which is the finest bat to stand on his side. So all the bats were honored...
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Most Famous Man
One day many years ago at a school in South London a teacher said to the class of 5-year-olds, "I'll give $20 to the child who can tell me who was the most famous man...
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Telecom Fiji upgrades VOIP business
Fijilive
01/01/2009
Telecom Fiji has turned to Asia-Pacific IT solutions provider Datacraft to facilitate the upgrade of its IP network across the South Pacific region.
The new network uses a Cisco MPLS platform and has a territory-wide IP and Metro Ethernet Network in Suva.
According to Telecom Fiji, Datacraft was tasked with establishing a highly resilient and efficient replacement infrastructure.
The new network will enable the incumbent operator to stay ahead of competition by providing the platform for the latest range of business services such as high speed data, capacity on demand and voice over
Internet Protocol (VOIP); while ensuring customer satisfaction by meeting tough Quality of Service (QOS) goals.
“With the continuing rise of the Internet, we have seen rising customer expectations for new services, as well as traffic growth that the old network could no longer match,” said Ian Lyons, Group General Manager
Sales, Marketing and Business Development.
“Datacraft demonstrated an awareness of the unique political, social and regulatory environment that we face in Fiji and the company came up with a carefully evaluated plan that met our demanding requirements,
while being capable of meeting our expanding market needs into the future.”
Datacraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a US$4.5 billion leading global IT solutions and services provider.
Datacraft operates in more than 50 offices across 13 Asia Pacific countries.
It helps clients plan, build, support, manage, improve and innovate their IT infrastructures and combines an expertise in networking, security, data centre, storage, Microsoft solutions and contact centre technologies, with advanced skills in consulting, integration, training and managed services to craft IT solutions for businesses. In January 2008, Datacraft acquired Security-Assessment.com to provide
best-in-class protection to its clients’ networks and IT environments across the Asia Pacific region.
Datacraft was established in 1974.
01/01/2009
Telecom Fiji has turned to Asia-Pacific IT solutions provider Datacraft to facilitate the upgrade of its IP network across the South Pacific region.
The new network uses a Cisco MPLS platform and has a territory-wide IP and Metro Ethernet Network in Suva.
According to Telecom Fiji, Datacraft was tasked with establishing a highly resilient and efficient replacement infrastructure.
The new network will enable the incumbent operator to stay ahead of competition by providing the platform for the latest range of business services such as high speed data, capacity on demand and voice over
Internet Protocol (VOIP); while ensuring customer satisfaction by meeting tough Quality of Service (QOS) goals.
“With the continuing rise of the Internet, we have seen rising customer expectations for new services, as well as traffic growth that the old network could no longer match,” said Ian Lyons, Group General Manager
Sales, Marketing and Business Development.
“Datacraft demonstrated an awareness of the unique political, social and regulatory environment that we face in Fiji and the company came up with a carefully evaluated plan that met our demanding requirements,
while being capable of meeting our expanding market needs into the future.”
Datacraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a US$4.5 billion leading global IT solutions and services provider.
Datacraft operates in more than 50 offices across 13 Asia Pacific countries.
It helps clients plan, build, support, manage, improve and innovate their IT infrastructures and combines an expertise in networking, security, data centre, storage, Microsoft solutions and contact centre technologies, with advanced skills in consulting, integration, training and managed services to craft IT solutions for businesses. In January 2008, Datacraft acquired Security-Assessment.com to provide
best-in-class protection to its clients’ networks and IT environments across the Asia Pacific region.
Datacraft was established in 1974.
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Thursday, January 1, 2009
BBC News: India moustaches 'face the chop'.
The famous beards and moustaches of India - seen as representing a huge tradition to the outside world - are under threat, a new book says. >> more...
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Term of the Day - HMO
Health Maintenance Organization. A form of health insurance combining a range of coverages in a group basis. A group of doctors and other medical professionals offer care through the HMO for a flat monthly rate with no deductibles. However, only visits to professionals within the HMO network are covered by the policy. All visits, prescriptions and other care must be cleared by the HMO in order to be covered. A primary physician within the HMO handles referrals.
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Variety Box Office: Christmas lifts European box office and 'Australia' opens top in Spain
Variety_BoxOffice@email.variety.com
By Ed Meza
BERLIN —
Cash registers were ringing loudly at the European box office over the Christmas weekend as local pics battled it out with top U.S., and Australian, fare.
By Ed Meza
BERLIN —
Cash registers were ringing loudly at the European box office over the Christmas weekend as local pics battled it out with top U.S., and Australian, fare.
Germany and France, and “Australia” opened top in Spain, while a local holiday laffer dominated in Italy.
In Germany, holiday business was up 42% from the previous week as “Australia” and Teutonic period drama “Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family” contributed to the overall box office tally.
A diverse lineup provided something for everyone as the box office pie was divided fairly evenly among the week’s top pics.
“Escape 2 Africa” remained at number one for the fourth week running and the holiday favorite for families, taking in $4.3 million on its way to a $36.5 million cume. Fox’s “Australia” bowed in second with a solid $4 million from 700, managing to win over viewers despite mixed reviews.
Stressing that the film was anything but original, trade magazine Blickpunkt: Film nevertheless praises Baz Luhrmann for his skill in weaving kitsch, romance and adventure into “a film that soars when it leaves reality behind and becomes a starry-eyed fairytale,” “a soaring fantasy” and a “musical without the songs.” In third was Warners’ local laffer “1½ Knights: In Search of the Ravishing Herzelinde” with $3.5 million for an $8.1 million total, followed by Disney’s “Bedtime Stories,” which garnered $3 million from 520.
Rounding out the top five was Heinrich Breloer’s adaptation of “Buddenbrooks,” Thomas Mann’s classic about a wealthy 19th-century northern German merchant family on the verge of moral and financial ruin. Pic took in $2.7 million from 238, resulting in an outstanding per-location average of $11,432.
“Escape 2 Africa” is still in the Gallic catbird seat, even after four frames. Down a mere 7% on the week, it’s cumed a spectacular $29.2 million on 931 for Paramount — the fourth top perf of 2008 to date.
Mainly blah reviews did little to thwart the appeal of “Australia,” which earned Fox $4.65 million on 646 in its first five days.
“Largo Winch” is enjoying a decent run for Wild Bunch. The cult-comic-inspired thriller, toplining local thesp Tomer Sisley and Kristin Scott Thomas, was down 9% in its second frame for a cume of $7.1 million on 490.
The brothers Coen continue to work their magic on Gallic auds with “Burn After Reading.” Looking quite likely to be their best earner ever in France, its cume after three frames stood at $8.07 million on 475 for
StudioCanal. Off by 23% in its third frame, “The Day the Earth Stood Still” is not the runaway smash in Gaul it’s proving to be in many other territories. Its cume for Fox was nearly $7.73 million on 592.
There was plenty of festive cheer for Italian cinemas as cold weather and the inclement economic climate made a night at the movies seem a smart move. Neri Parenti-helmed local laffer "Natale a Rio" (Christmas in Rio), out via Filmauro, took the Christmas number one spot — and saw sophomore sesh takings more than double to $11.2 million, with a bumper $18,723 average off 587 screens. Total box office now stands at $22.2 million.
At two, “Escape 2 Africa" earned $9.9 million for Universal in its second outing — up 50% on its debut weekend. Its screen average of 16,971 off 583 brought the running cume to $21.5 million.There was a strong
sophomore sesh, too, for another Italo comedy, Marcello Cesena's "Il Cosmo sul Como," out via Medusa. Takings leapt 62% to $5.6 million off 485 screens, with a running cume of $12.4 million.
George C. Wolfe's romantic drama "Nights in Rodanthe" saw box office double in its second weekend. It took $2.3 million off 272 screens for Warner Brothers, with a $8,549 average. Total box office now stands at
$4.4million.
At five, "The Spirit," Frank Miller's comic-book fantasy, bowed on $1.1 million off 227 screens with an $4,925 average for Sony.
New at number eight, acclaimed period drama "The Duchess," distributed by BIM, took $824,589 from 160 screens in its first outing.
“Australia” outperformed forecasts in Spain, bowing on 512 and nabbing an upbeat $4.5 million for a four-day print average of $8,855. Universal’s "Changeling" placed second in its soph sesh sliding a mere 3% for a
$5.4 million cume.
The Spanish B.O. looks set to end the year with a powerful animated bounce.
Paramount’s
"Escape 2 Africa," to date Spain’s Christmas B.O. champ, leapt a remarkable 57% for an excellent $18 million cume, placing third after five frames.
Also gaining considerable ground were BVI's "Bolt," which was up 38%, while the 3-D version of “Bolt,” playing on 30 screens, saw a 66% boost, establishing the best average of the weekend, $10,738. Universal’s "The Tale of Desperaux" similarly climbed 45%.
“Twilight,” in fifth after four frames, cumed $14.2 million.Sony's "The Spirit" took $1.7 million off 350, and Aurum's local pic "The Missing Lynx" took $431,378 from 182 off the back of enthusiastic reviews.
Additional reporting by Michael Day (Italy), David Hayhurst (France) and Emilio Mayorga (Spain).
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Stocks Advance; GMAC Receives Lifeline from Government, Lehman Wants More Time
INVESTOR GUIDE : Today's issue is sponsored by ACM:
Market Summary
Stocks moved higher on Tuesday after GMAC
received a lifeline from the government. The Dow Jones Industrial
Average added 184.46 points to end at 8,668.39. Broader stock
indicators also advanced nicely. The Standard and Poor’s 500 index
added 21.22 points and the Nasdaq added 40.38 points. Stocks advanced
early in the session after it was announced that the government would
extend a $5 billion lifeline to GMAC, LLC. The financing sector of
General Motors (GM: Charts, News, Offers)
will use the money immediately to extend financing options to some
customers that had previously been denied by the lender. By
mid-afternoon the market started to decline as investors reviewed a
report on consumer confidence. Investors looked beyond the report and
stocks continued to advance. In corporate news, Lehman Brothers
Holdings Inc. (LEH: Charts, News, Offers)
requested more time to file its Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan with a U.S.
bankruptcy court. The company said that the plan is complex and will
take longer than expected to draft. Market breadth was positive.
Winners topped losers by a 3 to 1 basis on the New York Stock Exchange.
U.S. light crude oil for February delivery fell $1.32 to $38.70 a
barrel after making a small advance in the previous session. The dollar
ended mixed against other major currencies.
Market Summary
Stocks moved higher on Tuesday after GMAC
received a lifeline from the government. The Dow Jones Industrial
Average added 184.46 points to end at 8,668.39. Broader stock
indicators also advanced nicely. The Standard and Poor’s 500 index
added 21.22 points and the Nasdaq added 40.38 points. Stocks advanced
early in the session after it was announced that the government would
extend a $5 billion lifeline to GMAC, LLC. The financing sector of
General Motors (GM: Charts, News, Offers)
will use the money immediately to extend financing options to some
customers that had previously been denied by the lender. By
mid-afternoon the market started to decline as investors reviewed a
report on consumer confidence. Investors looked beyond the report and
stocks continued to advance. In corporate news, Lehman Brothers
Holdings Inc. (LEH: Charts, News, Offers)
requested more time to file its Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan with a U.S.
bankruptcy court. The company said that the plan is complex and will
take longer than expected to draft. Market breadth was positive.
Winners topped losers by a 3 to 1 basis on the New York Stock Exchange.
U.S. light crude oil for February delivery fell $1.32 to $38.70 a
barrel after making a small advance in the previous session. The dollar
ended mixed against other major currencies.
| Market News |
| The Treasury Department said that it will provide $5 billion to GMAC Financial Services LLC, the ailing financing arm of General Motors Corp., in a move that's expected to stave off a bankruptcy protection filing at the company but also severely limit GM's control over it. In exchange for the slice of the $700 billion bank rescue package, the government will receive preferred shares that pay an 8 percent dividend and warrants to purchase additional shares in return for the money, the department said. Treasury also said it will lend up to $1 billion to General Motors (GM: Charts, News, Offers) so that the company can purchase additional equity that GMAC is planning to offer as part of its effort to raise more capital. (Source: Yahoo! Finance) Full Story |
| Longtime investors in chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices (AMD: Charts, News, Offers) are used to disappointment -- why not end 2008 with another bleak signpost for the months ahead? The company reported late Monday in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it laid off 100 more workers than expected during its most recent quarter (a total of 600), which would also result in a charge of $70 million, $20 million more than previously projected. That's not the really disappointing part -- for investors, not for the additional 100 now without jobs -- and it even led one media outlet to post the unfortunate headline earlier Tuesday "Intel (INTC: Charts, News, Offers), AMD Lead Broad Advance by Chip Issues." (Source: TheStreet) Full Story |
| Home prices dropped by the sharpest annual rate on record in October and there are no signs the housing pain is over, according to a closely watched index released Tuesday. The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city housing index fell by a record 18 percent from October last year, the largest drop since its inception in 2000. The 10-city index tumbled 19.1 percent, its biggest decline in its 21-year history. Both indices have recorded year-over-year declines for 22 straight months. Prices are at levels not seen since March 2004. Prices in the 20-city index have plummeted more than 23.4 percent from their peak in July 2006. The 10-city index has fallen 25 percent since its peak in June 2006. (Source: Forbes.com) |
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Get Free Logos at LogoInstant
If you need a logo but you're lacking the design chops to whip one up, score a free one at Logo Instant. MORE >>
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Battle of the Best Beta Releases of 2008
In 2008, power users tested a parade of new webapps and software bearing the "beta" disclaimer. Take a look at the beta releases that knocked your socks off the most this past year. MORE >>Blogged with the Flock Browser
Term of the Day - equities
An instrument that signifies an ownership position, or equity, in a corporation, and represents a claim on its proportionate share in the corporation's assets and profits. A person holding such an ownership in the company does not enjoy the highest claim on the company's earnings. Instead, an equity holder's claim is subordinated to creditor's claims, and the equity holder will only enjoy distributions from earnings after these higher priority claims are satisfied. also called equities or equity securities or corporate stock.
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Lock your BlackBerry Storm screen when talking on the phone: TalkLock Beta
CellAvant TalkLock beta
http://www.cellavant.com/TalkLock/
Storm + face = potentially embarrassing situation
If you got a BlackBerry Storm for Christmas, then you probably discovered pretty quickly that if you hold the phone to your face a certain way, you might accidentally hit the 'speaker' or 'mute' onscreen buttons...with predictable results. You know that you you would hate to be in the middle of a low-key conversation about the smelly guy sitting next to you when all of the sudden your speakerphone kicks in and everyone can hear what you are saying!
TalkLock to the rescue
Custom mobile software publisher CellAvant has written a handy little program called 'TalkLock' which locks your Storm's screen while you are on the phone...thus making it impossible for you to accidentally mute or activate speakerphone with your cheek!
How it works
When you receive a call, you answer it as normal, and about 2-3 seconds later, the Storm's screen will lock with a starburst graphic with some basic information and a slider control. This slider is what allows you
to unlock the device back to the normal phone screen, letting you activate speakerphone, mute, flash or add a participant to the call.
If you want to lock the screen again, you simply hit the physical menu button and tap 'lock screen during call'. This will bring you back to the locked screen image.
I consider this app a "must-have" for your BlackBerry Storm.
http://www.cellavant.com/TalkLock/
Storm + face = potentially embarrassing situation
If you got a BlackBerry Storm for Christmas, then you probably discovered pretty quickly that if you hold the phone to your face a certain way, you might accidentally hit the 'speaker' or 'mute' onscreen buttons...with predictable results. You know that you you would hate to be in the middle of a low-key conversation about the smelly guy sitting next to you when all of the sudden your speakerphone kicks in and everyone can hear what you are saying!
TalkLock to the rescue
Custom mobile software publisher CellAvant has written a handy little program called 'TalkLock' which locks your Storm's screen while you are on the phone...thus making it impossible for you to accidentally mute or activate speakerphone with your cheek!
How it works
When you receive a call, you answer it as normal, and about 2-3 seconds later, the Storm's screen will lock with a starburst graphic with some basic information and a slider control. This slider is what allows you
to unlock the device back to the normal phone screen, letting you activate speakerphone, mute, flash or add a participant to the call.
If you want to lock the screen again, you simply hit the physical menu button and tap 'lock screen during call'. This will bring you back to the locked screen image.
I consider this app a "must-have" for your BlackBerry Storm.
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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Photo Tour Report - Hong Kong - April 8-13
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja arrived in Hong Kong on April 7th and stayed until April 16th, after which he flew to Vancouver, Canada. The six-day Hong Kong Harikatha festival began on April 8th on Lantau Island, in a village called Pui’O, which is a one-hour ferry-ride from the city.
A house was rented for Srila Maharaja and his traveling party. The rest of the one-hundred-fifty devotees, from mainland China and other countries like Philippines and Malaysia, stayed in guest houses and camped on the beach. The festival site was at a devotee’s property in Pui’O, where the festival organizers put up a large tent and transformed it into a beautiful temple.
On the first evening, Srila Narayana Maharaja introduced the audience to the opening chapter of Srimad-Bhagavatam, wherein eighty-eight thousand sages headed by Saunaka Rsi inquired from Srila Suta Gosvami about how one’s soul can be happy. Srila Maharaja then discussed the importance of pure bhakti, unalloyed devotion to Sri Krsna performed exclusively to please Him.
He spoke in English, and every few minutes his words were translated into Chinese by his disciple Jamuna devi dasi. He told the devotees and guests, “Srila Suta Gosvami says that if anyone wants to be happy, he should follow the principles of bhakti-yoga. Only bhakti-yoga, service to the transcendental Supreme Lord Krsna, can give happiness – nothing else can do so. Bhakti-yoga is very easy. Simply chant: ‘Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.’
“If you are working, if you are walking, or if you are cooking – at any time you can chant. In daytime, night-time, or morning-time, even if you are sick or not pure, you can chant these holy names of Krsna.
“Srila Suta Gosvami is telling us that we should hear the glorification of the Supreme Lord Krsna, we should meditate on Him, and we should glorify His good qualities and activities. This is bhakti-yoga. In this way we can be happy – not by any other means.”
Throughout the week, Srila Maharaja, and under his direction his representative speakers, related many histories from the Bhagavatam. They spoke about the teachings of Sri Kapiladeva to His mother Devahuti, and about the history and character of Jada Bharata, King Citraketu, Ajamila, and Prahlada Maharaja. They also spoke about Sri Krsna’s sweet pastimes in Vrndavana. Srila Narayana Maharaja then briefly discussed the Lord’s pastimes in Mathura and Dvaraka, up to His concluding pastime of returning to His transcendental abode in Goloka Vrndavana.
The last evening of the festival was April 13th, and the divine appearance day of Lord Sri Krsna in the form of Lord Ramacandra was April 14th. Because most of the Chinese devotees would be leaving on the morning of the 14th, Srila Narayana Maharaja was kind enough to give a beautiful discourse on the heart-rending pastimes of Lord Sri Rama on that last evening.
Initiation was held on April 10th at Srila Maharaja’s residence, where over fifty devotees from mainland China, Hong Kong, and the Philippines received their second birth.
Devotees from Hong Kong receiving his new name – Johnson became Jayadeva dasa, Varva became Visakha dasi, Michael became Madhusudana dasa, and so on.
Srila Maharaja mercifully gave darsana every morning, at which time groups of devotees from different countries and cities would come to meet him and ask him questions. He said to a new devotee, “If you want to be happy in this world and the transcendental world, you must chant ‘Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.’ Otherwise in future births, you may become a donkey, a dog, a cat, a pig, or any other animal. Be happy forever. Do not fear – there is no need to fear.
“You see that there are hundreds of thousands of devotees in Canada, America, Europe, and here also. So many beautiful young girls and boys are taking initiation. So don’t fear; your life will be happy.
“Wearing the three strands of tulasi neck-beads is very powerful. You will have no problems with blood pressure if you wear this. By wearing tulasi, whatever you will tell will be true, and you will always be healthy and wealthy.”
Srila Narayan Maharaja left Hong Kong on April 16th, en route for Vancouver, Canada. About fifty devotees met him at the airport to see him off, and they were all happy to receive his invitation to come to India for this year’s one-month-long Vrndavana Kartika parikrama in October. We will send you that airport darsana soon.
Editorial Advisors:
Pujyapad Madhava Maharaja, Sriman Brajanath dasa, and Sri Prema-prayojana dasa
Assistant Editor:
Hariballabha dasi
Report written by:
Vasanti dasi
Proofreader:
Krsna-kamini dasi
Editor:
Syamarani dasi
A house was rented for Srila Maharaja and his traveling party. The rest of the one-hundred-fifty devotees, from mainland China and other countries like Philippines and Malaysia, stayed in guest houses and camped on the beach. The festival site was at a devotee’s property in Pui’O, where the festival organizers put up a large tent and transformed it into a beautiful temple.
On the first evening, Srila Narayana Maharaja introduced the audience to the opening chapter of Srimad-Bhagavatam, wherein eighty-eight thousand sages headed by Saunaka Rsi inquired from Srila Suta Gosvami about how one’s soul can be happy. Srila Maharaja then discussed the importance of pure bhakti, unalloyed devotion to Sri Krsna performed exclusively to please Him.
He spoke in English, and every few minutes his words were translated into Chinese by his disciple Jamuna devi dasi. He told the devotees and guests, “Srila Suta Gosvami says that if anyone wants to be happy, he should follow the principles of bhakti-yoga. Only bhakti-yoga, service to the transcendental Supreme Lord Krsna, can give happiness – nothing else can do so. Bhakti-yoga is very easy. Simply chant: ‘Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.’
“If you are working, if you are walking, or if you are cooking – at any time you can chant. In daytime, night-time, or morning-time, even if you are sick or not pure, you can chant these holy names of Krsna.
“Srila Suta Gosvami is telling us that we should hear the glorification of the Supreme Lord Krsna, we should meditate on Him, and we should glorify His good qualities and activities. This is bhakti-yoga. In this way we can be happy – not by any other means.”
Throughout the week, Srila Maharaja, and under his direction his representative speakers, related many histories from the Bhagavatam. They spoke about the teachings of Sri Kapiladeva to His mother Devahuti, and about the history and character of Jada Bharata, King Citraketu, Ajamila, and Prahlada Maharaja. They also spoke about Sri Krsna’s sweet pastimes in Vrndavana. Srila Narayana Maharaja then briefly discussed the Lord’s pastimes in Mathura and Dvaraka, up to His concluding pastime of returning to His transcendental abode in Goloka Vrndavana.
The last evening of the festival was April 13th, and the divine appearance day of Lord Sri Krsna in the form of Lord Ramacandra was April 14th. Because most of the Chinese devotees would be leaving on the morning of the 14th, Srila Narayana Maharaja was kind enough to give a beautiful discourse on the heart-rending pastimes of Lord Sri Rama on that last evening.
Initiation was held on April 10th at Srila Maharaja’s residence, where over fifty devotees from mainland China, Hong Kong, and the Philippines received their second birth.
Devotees from Hong Kong receiving his new name – Johnson became Jayadeva dasa, Varva became Visakha dasi, Michael became Madhusudana dasa, and so on.
Srila Maharaja mercifully gave darsana every morning, at which time groups of devotees from different countries and cities would come to meet him and ask him questions. He said to a new devotee, “If you want to be happy in this world and the transcendental world, you must chant ‘Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.’ Otherwise in future births, you may become a donkey, a dog, a cat, a pig, or any other animal. Be happy forever. Do not fear – there is no need to fear.
“You see that there are hundreds of thousands of devotees in Canada, America, Europe, and here also. So many beautiful young girls and boys are taking initiation. So don’t fear; your life will be happy.
“Wearing the three strands of tulasi neck-beads is very powerful. You will have no problems with blood pressure if you wear this. By wearing tulasi, whatever you will tell will be true, and you will always be healthy and wealthy.”
Srila Narayan Maharaja left Hong Kong on April 16th, en route for Vancouver, Canada. About fifty devotees met him at the airport to see him off, and they were all happy to receive his invitation to come to India for this year’s one-month-long Vrndavana Kartika parikrama in October. We will send you that airport darsana soon.
Editorial Advisors:
Pujyapad Madhava Maharaja, Sriman Brajanath dasa, and Sri Prema-prayojana dasa
Assistant Editor:
Hariballabha dasi
Report written by:
Vasanti dasi
Proofreader:
Krsna-kamini dasi
Editor:
Syamarani dasi
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Srila Prabhupada Quote: "I am so glad to hear that you are now married"
I am so glad to hear that you are now married. I pray Krishna that you may live henceforward happily as a householder, without thinking of a separation from your wife. According to Vedic wisdom, a good wife is a great assistant for material and spiritual prosperity. Even if there is some deficiency, you should try to correct it without thinking in the Westernized way.
I hope your wife may be taking interest in your chanting Sankirtana and reading Srimad-Bhagavatam. As she has become your life’s companion, it is your duty to induce her, peacefully, in the matter of spiritual advancement of life.
Bhaktispot
I hope your wife may be taking interest in your chanting Sankirtana and reading Srimad-Bhagavatam. As she has become your life’s companion, it is your duty to induce her, peacefully, in the matter of spiritual advancement of life.
Bhaktispot
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Srila Prabhupada Quote: In the Bhagavad-gita, it is stated that for the fixed up devotee there is one duty.
Saturday, December 30, 1967
San Francisco, Calif.
My Dear Madhusudana,
Please accept my blessings. I am so happy to read your letter dated Dec. 28, 1967. And I am very concerned that due to your sincerity and service mood you have improved in Krishna Consciousness excellently. Whatever allocation of duty there may be, if we try to execute such specific duty sincerely, that alone can make us much more advanced in Krishna Consciousness.
In the Bhagavad-gita, it is stated that for the fixed up devotee there is one duty. This duty is understood through the transparent medium via media of the Spiritual Master. It is better service to Krishna and Spiritual Master in a feeling of separation; sometimes there is risk in the matter of direct service.
For example, Kirtanananda was giving me direct service by massaging, cooking for me, and so many other things; but later on by dictation of Maya, he became puffed up, so much so that he thought his Spiritual Master a common man, and was existing only on account of his service.
This mentality at once pushed him down. Of course, those who are sincere devotee, they take direct service as an opportunity, but the illusory energy is so strong that it acts on this doctrine of familiarity breeds contempt. Kirtanananda was thinking I was existing on his service, instead of realizing I was giving him opportunity to do me some service.
www.bhaktispot.com
San Francisco, Calif.
My Dear Madhusudana,
Please accept my blessings. I am so happy to read your letter dated Dec. 28, 1967. And I am very concerned that due to your sincerity and service mood you have improved in Krishna Consciousness excellently. Whatever allocation of duty there may be, if we try to execute such specific duty sincerely, that alone can make us much more advanced in Krishna Consciousness.
In the Bhagavad-gita, it is stated that for the fixed up devotee there is one duty. This duty is understood through the transparent medium via media of the Spiritual Master. It is better service to Krishna and Spiritual Master in a feeling of separation; sometimes there is risk in the matter of direct service.
For example, Kirtanananda was giving me direct service by massaging, cooking for me, and so many other things; but later on by dictation of Maya, he became puffed up, so much so that he thought his Spiritual Master a common man, and was existing only on account of his service.
This mentality at once pushed him down. Of course, those who are sincere devotee, they take direct service as an opportunity, but the illusory energy is so strong that it acts on this doctrine of familiarity breeds contempt. Kirtanananda was thinking I was existing on his service, instead of realizing I was giving him opportunity to do me some service.
www.bhaktispot.com
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Srila Prabhupada Quote: I had very little hope to come back again
Saturday, December 16, 1967
San Francisco, Calif.
When I left your country on the 22nd of July, I had very little hope to come back again. But Krishna informed me that I’m not going to die immediately; therefore, I have come back again to get inspiration of Krishna Consciousness from you all good souls. Although officially I am your Spiritual Master, I consider you all students as my Spiritual Master because your love for Krishna and service for Krishna teach me how to become a sincere Krishna Conscious person.
www.bhaktispot.com
San Francisco, Calif.
When I left your country on the 22nd of July, I had very little hope to come back again. But Krishna informed me that I’m not going to die immediately; therefore, I have come back again to get inspiration of Krishna Consciousness from you all good souls. Although officially I am your Spiritual Master, I consider you all students as my Spiritual Master because your love for Krishna and service for Krishna teach me how to become a sincere Krishna Conscious person.
www.bhaktispot.com
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Tour Report - Navadvipa
Sri Kesavaji Gaudiya Matha, Navadvipa
November 17-21, 2008
Article from: harikatha@harikatha.info
Attended by over 1,500 faithful devotees, Sri Vraja Mandala Parikrama was successfully completed under the expert guidance of Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja. After two days of rest, on November 15, 2008, Srila Maharaja departed from his bhajana kutir in Sri Giridhari Gaudiya Math, Govardhana, bound for Delhi. A two-day program was then held in Sri Ramana-Bihari Gaudiya Matha in Delhi, to commemorate the installation of the Deities there a few years before.
Early on the morning of the 17th, Srila Maharaja left Delhi and flew to Calcutta on his way to Sri Navadvipa Dhama. He arrived at Sri Kesavaji Gaudiya Matha in Navadvipa on the morning of the 18th and at his own request took up residence in the newly completed guest house instead of his usual off-site accommodation.
Pujyapada Madhava Maharaja, Sripad Brajanath dasa and Sri Prema-prayojana dasa.
Report written by:
Madhuvrata dasa brahmacari
Editor:
Syamarani dasi
Proof-reader:
Krsna-kamini dasi
November 17-21, 2008
Article from: harikatha@harikatha.info
Attended by over 1,500 faithful devotees, Sri Vraja Mandala Parikrama was successfully completed under the expert guidance of Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja. After two days of rest, on November 15, 2008, Srila Maharaja departed from his bhajana kutir in Sri Giridhari Gaudiya Math, Govardhana, bound for Delhi. A two-day program was then held in Sri Ramana-Bihari Gaudiya Matha in Delhi, to commemorate the installation of the Deities there a few years before.
Early on the morning of the 17th, Srila Maharaja left Delhi and flew to Calcutta on his way to Sri Navadvipa Dhama. He arrived at Sri Kesavaji Gaudiya Matha in Navadvipa on the morning of the 18th and at his own request took up residence in the newly completed guest house instead of his usual off-site accommodation.
Srila Maharaja’s room had the advantage of a small balcony providing an excellent vantage point from which to view the entire construction site, from which he happily observed his temple slowly manifesting.
He spent time touring the construction site and discussing with the architects, developers, sannyasis, and senior devotees. He was shown the massive temple and its partially built domes, the new kitchen
located behind the temple, the site for his own bhajana kutir which will be built on part of the adjacent lake, the third phase of the guest house development, and a new level currently being built on top of the first guest house.
Sripad Madhava Maharaja commented that Srila Maharaja was so happily absorbed in the manifestation of his Navadvipa project that he even left aside his writing.
On the morning of the 20th Srila Maharaja walked to the Ganga at Panca-veni, and offered arati and prayers to Ganga-devi. He recited Sri Yamunastakam, thus reminding the devotees present that at this holy place the Ganga flows on one bank and the Yamuna at the other.
During the day he met with numerous disciples, guests, and well wishers, and that evening he gave class in the temple-room, in Bengali, to around 80 devotees. He spoke about the definition of pure bhakti, the glories of the holy name, and how by chanting in the association of pure devotees (sadhu-sanga) seven results are achieved as described in the verse:
ceto-darpana-marjanam bhava-maha-davagni-nirvapanam
sreyah-kairava-candrika-vitaranam vidya-vadhu-jivanam
anandambudhi-vardhanam prati-padam purnamrtasvadanam
sarvatma-snapanam param vijayate sri-krsna-sankirtanam
[“Let there be supreme victory for the chanting of the holy name of Sri Krsna alone, which cleanses the mirror of the heart and completely extinguishes the blazing forest fire of material existence. Sri-krsna-sankirtana diffuses the soothing moon rays of spiritual ecstasy (bhava) that cause the living entity’s white lotus of good fortune to bloom. The holy name is the life and soul of transcendental knowledge, which is here compared to a wife. It continuously expands the ocean of transcendental bliss, enabling one to taste complete nectar at every step. The holy name of Sri Krsna thoroughly cleanses and cools the self, one’s nature and one’s determination, as well as the body, both internally and externally.” (Sri Siksastakam verse 1).]
He also stressed the importance of following very closely the order of Sri Guru and completely avoiding independent activity.
He also gave Harikatha on the evening of the 21st, again glorifying the holy name. At that time he explained that Sri Nama (the holy name) is extremely powerful, but that, in general, neophyte devotees have no faith in its potency. He said that Sri Nama can destroy more sins than it is possible to commit, and that Krsna’s name and Krsna Himself are non-different. He quoted this verse:
nama cintamanih krsnas
caitanya-rasa-vigrahah
purnah suddho nitya-mukto
'bhinnatvan-nama-naminoh
["The holy name of Sri Krsna awards all benedictions just like the cintamani stone. It is Krsna Himself, the embodiment of all transcendental mellows (caitanya rasa vigraha). The holy name is complete, beyond the influence of maya, and eternally liberated, since Sri Krsna nama and Sri Krsna Himself, the possessor of the name (Sri nami), are non-different." (Sri Padma Purana)]
And the following verse:
madhura-madhuram etan mangalam mangalanam
sakala-nigama-valli-sat-phalam cit-svarupam
sakrd api parigitam sraddhaya helaya va
bhrguvara nara-matram tarayet krsna-nama
["Lord Krsna's holy name, which is the sweetest of sweet things, the most auspicious of auspicious things, and the transcendental fruit of the vine of all Vedic literature, delivers, O best of the Bhrgus,
anyone who, either with faith or contempt, chants it even once."
(Sri Skanda Purana)]
Srila Maharaja mentioned that although we cannot see Krsna, we can chant His name, which has the power to attract Him directly into the heart. He said that Ajamila chanted the name of Narayana at the time of death, and due to the name’s independent and transcendental nature, it delivered him from the clutches of the constables of death (the Yamadutas).
Srila Maharaja’s visit to Navadvipa coincided with the beginning of his Bengal preaching, headed by Sripad Tirtha Maharaja. After receiving his kind instructions, around fifty brahmacaris and several sannyasis divided into groups and began preaching in the West Bengal area – their mission being to attract thousands of pilgrims to attend the Navadvipa Parikrama in March and to simultaneously collect thousands of kilos of rice, vegetables, and dahl for the Parikrama. He gave his blessings as each
party left for their assigned areas.
On the 22nd morning, Srila Maharaja departed for Calcutta. There he began the construction of a new building on the site of Srila Vamana Gosvami Gaudiya Matha, by performing vitti-sthapan or laying of the corner stone. That evening he left Calcutta on his way to the Philippines for a two month writing retreat.
After leaving the Philippines, Srila Maharaja will be holding a one-week hari-katha festival in Malaysia, from January 22rd-28th. His grand Vyasa-puja festival will be celebrated on January 26th. Every one in the world is invited. For details please logon to: www.gaudiyamathmy.com
Pujyapada Madhava Maharaja, Sripad Brajanath dasa and Sri Prema-prayojana dasa.
Report written by:
Madhuvrata dasa brahmacari
Editor:
Syamarani dasi
Proof-reader:
Krsna-kamini dasi
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Lesson of life
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly.
Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing.
He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less from people but more from God.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly.
Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing.
He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less from people but more from God.
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Hare Krishna
From the administrator and the contributors to Just Like That Blog wishing all readers greetings to New Year 2009.
Hope GOD bless us in providing better and inquisitive information in the New Year.
Hare Krishna.
Administrator
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